We, as community members of Orillia, ON, Canada, have for many years immersed ourselves in the captivating aura of an annual Halloween spectacle - a life-size pirate ship. From the first carved pumpkin to the sound of the last trick-or-treater, this tradition marks a special time for us. But this year, something considerably more frightful looms in the shadows – the threat of losing this much-loved local tradition.

The breathtaking Halloween display, incredibly personal and dear to us, ignites a sense of community and will be instrumental in collecting substantial donations for our local food bank. The significance rises beyond just festivities and joy; it's a mission enabling us to support those among us that may need a helping hand. Each year, we have seen a significant increase in visitors, testifying to the display's effectiveness and the generosity it will inspire.

In Canada, nearly one in seven people live in a state of food insecurity, which makes such initiatives crucial (source: Statistics Canada, 2020). This time-honored tradition enables our community to contribute positively towards eradicating this harsh reality. However, the continuity of this display, and by extension our ability to help, is currently under threat. Removal of this Halloween fixture would dismantle a key instrument for the food bank's donation drive and diminish an event that will vastly contribute to the community’s spirit.

So, we call upon the decision-makers, requesting due consideration to retain this Halloween display. Our plea isn't just for the preservation of a tradition, but more importantly, for safeguarding a lifeline for those who lean on the food bank’s support. Let our Halloween display continue to inspire awe and generosity in our tight-knit community. Stand with us; sign this petition to help us protect our celebrated Halloween display and the local food bank fundraising it will support. Let us keep our pirate ship afloat!